The 22-year-old Belgian hitman arrived at Villa Park for just £7m from Genk and has been one of the Premier League’s stars of the season.

He has scored eight times, including three in the last two games.

And Villa boss Lambert cannot hide his delight at the capture.

He said: “I think Christian has been excellent.

“Nobody really knew too much about him, then all of a sudden he’s doing what he’s doing and everybody takes ­notice.

“He’s been an absolute steal, for what he’s doing and the way he’s performing.

“Somebody did say to me if you do get him it will be like a present and it’s true.

“The way the modern market is it’s incredible the way transfer fees are. You’re never quite sure.

“The inflation of it and transfer values are ridiculous, but I’m pretty sure he’s not worth £7m now. I can’t speak highly enough of what he’s done.”

Benteke signed a four-year contract in August and Lambert has reassured fans that he has no plans to cash in on him early.

He said: “There’s no point in us even being here if it’s a case of bringing people in and then letting them go. What’s the point in that?

“We’re trying to build ­something here which can take a few years and you need good players with you to achieve that.

“There’s no point in coming for half a season or a year and then you let them go. That’s not the right way.”

Lambert, whose side travel to Chelsea tomorrow on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, can see why Benteke has been compared to ex-Stamford Bridge man Didier Drogba – but does not think it is entirely accurate.

He said: “I can understand why people are comparing him to Drogba, with the size of the two guys, but Christian’s his own man.

“It is unfair for me to describe him as ‘the next Didier Drogba’ with the career Didier has had.

“Christian is only 22 but the potential is there for what he can achieve.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant for me, not just as a footballer but as a guy he is really humble, which is ­important.”